MEDIA RELEASE: An index for Australia’s future innovators

Australia’s Chief Scientist has issued a media release on the launch of the STEM Programme Index 2016 (SPI 2016).

You can read the release below or download as a pdf. SPI 2016 is also available to download.

An index for Australia’s future innovators

School principals will have more than 250 science, technology, engineering and mathematics programmes for students at their fingertips, with the release of the first national STEM Programme Index.

SPI 2016 is an accessible guide to business, university, government and community-led initiatives putting students on the fast track to the future. It includes in-class, after school, holiday, residential and online activities, catering to a wide and growing range of students.

“The opportunities of the future will be made through STEM, for Australia and the Australians with the skills to thrive through change,” Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb AC said.

“We all have a stake in great STEM education, and we ought to cooperate in bringing it about.”

The new resource was compiled by the Australian Industry Group and the Office of the Chief Scientist, as part of the STEM Skills Partnerships programme.

It responds to growing interest from the business community, and amongst STEM professionals, in sharing the task of building the future economy.

“In order to build a competitive economy, we need workers with the kinds of skills developed in STEM-related disciplines,” Australian Industry Group Chief Executive Innes Willox said.

“This will not be achieved unless STEM skills are provided in the pipeline to the workforce. This resource provides a wealth of information for schools and industry alike to become leaders in STEM skills activity.”

President of the Australian Primary Principals Association Dennis Yarrington said the opportunities for collaboration were immense.

“Working with industry, university and other partners can help teachers bring new excitement to the classroom. It reinforces the vital importance of the work they do and gives them new tools to do it well.”

Professor Chubb commended the index to parents, educators and organisations interested in collaborating with schools.

“With creativity, commitment and coordination, what can’t we make possible for every child?”